Emiliano Buendia believes Aston Villa appointed a great manager in Unai Emery to replace Steven Gerrard. The midfielder has now praised the Spaniard’s system as ‘perfect’ for him.
Aston Villa sacked Gerrard in October after just 11 months in charge with the team 17th in the Premier League. They had lost in six of their opening 11 games this season to two wins with 16 goals conceded. The Villans also fired him immediately after a 3-0 loss at Fulham.
It took Aston Villa just four days to announce Emery would replace Gerrard as the manager of the Birmingham outfit. But he did not take charge until November 1 due to work permit formalities. The Villans paid Villarreal £5.25m after triggering his release clause at the club.
Emery has now overseen eight Premier League games in charge of Aston Villa and claimed five wins. Leicester City dealt his claret-and-blue side the second defeat of his tenure so far last Saturday. He had lost to Liverpool but has beaten Manchester United and Tottenham.
Aston Villa beat Spurs 2-0 in north London with Buendia breaking the deadlock for Emery’s squad after 50 minutes. The 26-year-old has since also scored against Leeds United to take a 2-1 win. He only scored once under Gerrard over 11 games, starting in three, this season.
Aston Villa star Emiliano Buendia believes Unai Emery’s plans are ‘perfect’
Emery has given Buendia a prominent place in his Aston Villa side having started in each of his eight Premier League fixtures so far. He has also kept the Argentine on the pitch for the full 90 minutes twice. Gerrard only let Buendia play a full 90 six times in 37 outings in total.
As well as the role Emery gives Buendia, the midfielder feels the Aston Villa boss’ plans are ‘perfect’ for him. Dean Smith’s £33m, rising up to £38m, signing from Norwich City in 2021 has also now opened up on his first interaction with Emery and the positive start it led to.
“As soon as he came, we had a good meeting and I understood everything that he asked of me,” Buendia told the Aston Villa club website. “I think his ideas are perfect for my game.
“I really enjoy every game. I’m confident and I’m working as hard as possible to be in my best shape to help the team.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
